Black Myth: Wukong is an action role-playing game developed by Game Science, inspired by the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West. Players control the Destined One, a staff-wielding monkey protagonist, through mostly linear levels interspersed with expansive areas. The game features Soulslike elements, a flexible skill system, and boss encounters of varying intensity. It was the first installment in the Black Myth series and is widely regarded as the first AAA game from the Chinese video game industry.
About the story
Following his legendary pilgrimage to the West alongside the Tang Monk, Sun Wukong ascends to Buddhahood but rejects the Celestial Court in favor of his simple life on Mount Huaguo. The Court, grown mistrustful, sends an army led by Erlang Shen to force his submission. During their duel, the binding circlet incapacitates Wukong, and he is sealed in stone, severed from six powerful relics corresponding to his senses. Over the following centuries, the monkeys of the mountain seek to recover these relics and revive their fallen king. The Destined One, one of these monkeys, sets out on a journey across treacherous lands to reclaim the relics. From the fog-shrouded Black Wind Mountain to the barren Yellow Wind Ridge, the frozen peaks of The New West, and the fiery slopes of the Flaming Mountains, the path forward is guarded by powerful yaoguai and ancient figures from Chinese mythology. Old allies of Wukong, including the wayward Zhu Bajie, join the quest as the truth of the Destined One's connection to Sun Wukong slowly comes into focus.
Platforms
PC PS5 Series X|SGenres
Adventure Hack and slash/Beat 'em up Role-playing (RPG)Themes
Action Fantasy
Languages: English and 14 more
| Interface | Audio | Subtitles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese (Simplified) | |||
| English | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | |||
| French | |||
| German | |||
| Spanish (Spain) | |||
| Portuguese (Brazil) | |||
| Japanese | |||
| Korean | |||
| Russian | |||
| Polish | |||
| Italian | |||
| Turkish | |||
| Czech | |||
| Thai |
Media
Critic Reviews
RPGamer
By Murillo ZerbinattoMuch of what Black Myth: Wukong promised, it delivers: spectacular visuals, a reenactment of Sun Wukong’s story, and a swift, seamless combat style. On the other hand, the game’s plot and storytelling lean far too heavily on knowledge of the source material, Journey to the West, which may alienate those unfamiliar with it.
SECTOR.sk
By Oto SchultzA spectacle like Black Myth: Wukong happens once per videogame generation. This epic anthropomorphic adventure of the Monkey King is a true labour of love, that presents grand story, wonderfully authentic soundtrack, addictively punchy combat and does the whole videogame process a bit differently. It is full of surprises, excruciatingly hard bosses and it just simply looks amazing. Few downsides and tiny imperfections can't really ruin this almost perfect experience, that makes you want to stay for just one more try!
Eurogamer.pt
By Bruno GalvãoBlack Myth: Wukong doesn't do anything particularly new, its gameplay is heavily inspired by FromSoftware's work, and its technical quality can drop to miserable levels, but if you can get past that, the skill and artistic ingenuity in this Chinese Souls-like game is irresistible.
Oyungezer Online
By Ali SezginBlack Myth Wukong offers fluid combat mechanics and an impressive atmosphere set in an epic mythological world. Despite some gameplay limitations, it manages to be one of the most engaging action games of the year.
GamesCreed
By Junior OnunkwoBlack Myth: Wukong is, without a doubt, worth buying. It has an incredible story, along with fantastic combat and beautiful locations and designs, despite the issues of the frames. But they should’ve simmered down on the number of boss fights. Game of the Year 2024? Sure – there’s enough to this to make it into the conversation.
